Luke 2:41-52

International Children’s Bible

Jesus As a Boy

⁴¹ Every year Jesus’ parents went to Jerusalem for the Passover Feast. ⁴² When Jesus was 12 years old, they went to the feast as they always did. ⁴³ When the feast days were over, they went home. The boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem, but his parents did not know it. ⁴⁴ Joseph and Mary traveled for a whole day. They thought that Jesus was with them in the group. Then they began to look for him among their family and friends, ⁴⁵ but they did not find him. So they went back to Jerusalem to look for him there. ⁴⁶ After three days they found him. Jesus was sitting in the Temple with the religious teachers, listening to them and asking them questions. ⁴⁷ All who heard him were amazed at his understanding and wise answers. ⁴⁸ When Jesus’ parents saw him, they were amazed. His mother said to him, “Son, why did you do this to us? Your father and I were very worried about you. We have been looking for you.”

⁴⁹ Jesus asked, “Why did you have to look for me? You should have known that I must be where my Father’s work is!” ⁵⁰ But they did not understand the meaning of what he said.

⁵¹ Jesus went with them to Nazareth and obeyed them. His mother was still thinking about all that had happened. ⁵² Jesus continued to learn more and more and to grow physically. People liked him, and he pleased God.